The Enugu State Taekwondo Association is in mourning following the death of Abdullahi Saidu, the President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), who passed away on April 1, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Saidu was 53 years old at the time of his death, and his passing has left the entire taekwondo community, both in Nigeria and worldwide, devastated.
Saidu was widely recognized for his dedication to the sport of taekwondo and his tireless efforts in promoting the game across all levels, especially at the grassroots. His leadership at the helm of the NTF saw significant progress in the development of taekwondo, with a focus on nurturing young athletes and expanding the sport’s reach in communities throughout Nigeria.
In a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Enugu State Taekwondo Association, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, expressed deep sorrow over Saidu’s death. He described the late NTF President as a “team player” who played a pivotal role in the growth and development of taekwondo in the country.
“Saidu’s contributions to the sport were invaluable, and his focus on community development made him a true ambassador of taekwondo,” Amaraizu said. “This is a huge loss to the taekwondo family. He was passionate about the game and always worked towards making sure it was accessible to everyone, especially the youth.”
Saidu’s commitment to taekwondo was not just in the capacity of a leader but also as a mentor and philanthropist. His legacy includes numerous initiatives aimed at empowering athletes and coaches, and his impact on Nigerian taekwondo has been widely acknowledged by both local and international stakeholders.
During his tenure as the President of the NTF, Saidu worked relentlessly to improve the infrastructure and support for athletes, ensuring that the sport’s future was secure at the grassroots level. His leadership was marked by a focus on grassroots development, with programs designed to discover and nurture young talent across Nigeria. This effort was essential in creating opportunities for young Nigerians to compete at national and international levels.
Coach Amaraizu fondly remembered a recent interaction with Saidu, noting his insightful contributions to the future of the sport. “When I personally related with him during one of our taekwondo events at the Korean Cultural Center in Abuja last year, he shared valuable insights on how we could move forward with the development of taekwondo in Nigeria,” Amaraizu recalled. “His ideas and passion for the sport were remarkable. He was not just a leader but a visionary for the future of taekwondo.”
Saidu’s efforts extended beyond his role as a leader within the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation; he was also a philanthropist who cared deeply about the well-being of the athletes. His contributions to the training and welfare of taekwondo athletes in Nigeria were unparalleled, and he was known for his generosity in supporting young athletes who struggled with financial constraints. His commitment to providing opportunities for athletes to pursue their dreams was an essential part of his legacy.
The news of Saidu’s death has sent shockwaves through the taekwondo community, with athletes, coaches, and officials expressing their grief and admiration for his work. Many have taken to social media to pay tribute to Saidu, recounting the profound impact he had on their careers and lives.
“I will forever be grateful for all the support and guidance I received from President Abdullahi Saidu,” said a Nigerian taekwondo athlete who wished to remain anonymous. “His leadership helped me believe in myself, and his encouragement pushed me to work harder. His loss is felt deeply by all of us in the taekwondo community.”
In addition to his work within the NTF, Saidu’s influence was also felt on the international stage. He was a regular attendee at global taekwondo events, where he represented Nigeria with dignity and pride. He was known for his diplomatic approach and was respected by fellow taekwondo leaders across the globe for his efforts in advancing the sport.
Saidu’s death has left a significant void in the sport’s leadership in Nigeria, with many questioning who will take on the task of continuing the work he started. However, his supporters and colleagues have expressed confidence that his legacy will live on through the athletes he mentored and the programs he established.
“We cannot question God,” Amaraizu added in his tribute. “While we mourn the loss of our dear President, we know that his impact on taekwondo will remain forever. We pray for the repose of his soul and for God to grant his family and the entire taekwondo family the strength to bear this loss.”
Saidu’s passing comes at a time when Nigerian taekwondo is on the rise, with athletes achieving success on the global stage and the sport gaining more recognition. His leadership during the past few years helped strengthen the foundation of taekwondo in Nigeria, and many are hopeful that his efforts will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches.
The Enugu State Taekwondo Association has called on all members of the taekwondo community to come together and support the family of the late President during this difficult time. The association has also pledged to continue his work by ensuring that the programs and initiatives he started are carried forward in honor of his memory.
Abdullahi Saidu’s death has not only left a huge gap in Nigerian taekwondo but also in the hearts of those who knew him. As the taekwondo family worldwide mourns his passing, they also celebrate his life and the contributions he made to the sport. His vision, passion, and dedication will continue to inspire the growth of taekwondo for many years to come.
